How to find out if you’re pregnant

In the very early stages of pregnancy, it’s hard to know if you’re pregnant or not. There are a few signs that may indicate pregnancy, but the only sure-fire way to know is to visit a doctor and have a pregnancy test.

This can help if:

you think you might be pregnant

the contraception you used didn’t work and you’re worried that you’re pregnant

you want to help a friend who thinks she might be pregnant.

Physical signs of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common to:

miss a period, or have an irregular period

feel tired and low on energy

feel nauseous (with or without vomiting)

need to wee more than usual

have sore, swollen or tender breasts and nipples.

Remember that these things can all occur when you’re not pregnant, too.

How do I find out if I’m pregnant?

If you have more than a couple of the above signs and you’ve recently had sex, you should take one of the following steps to find out if you’re pregnant:

Do a home pregnancy test. These are available from the supermarket or a pharmacy and usually cost around $10–$20. If the test is positive, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

Go to a family planning clinic. You can find a service near you on the Family Planning Alliance website. They can do a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant.

Visit a GP, who can do a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant.

What should I do if I’m pregnant?

If your results are positive, there are a few next steps that you need to take.